Thermoelectric properties by high temperature annealing
US7591913B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignees
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 6, 2005 |
| Grant date | Sep 22, 2009 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 1, 2026 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH10N10/852
- WIPO fieldMaterials, metallurgy
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
The present invention generally provides methods of improving thermoelectric properties of alloys by subjecting them to one or more high temperature annealing steps, performed at temperatures at which the alloys exhibit a mixed solid/liquid phase, followed by cooling steps. For example, in one aspect, such a method of the invention can include subjecting an alloy sample to a temperature that is sufficiently elevated to cause partial melting of at least some of the grains. The sample can then be cooled so as to solidify the melted grain portions such that each solidified grain portion exhibits an average chemical composition, characterized by a relative concentration of elements forming the alloy, that is different than that of the remainder of the grain.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.